School Details
Dickinson State University is a four-year comprehensive institution supplying development in intellectual, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the surrounding service area. Students may take advantage of high-quality academic programs from associate’s through to master’s degrees in a variety of subjects. Dickinson State University seeks to enrich the lives of enrolled students and communities of North Dakota.
Online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are available in a flexible, accessible academic format. Programs of study include avenues of education, business, science, arts, and more. Students partake in software designed specifically for online learning, with beneficial qualities such as a digital library and online technical support. Make time for a degree and enhance personal and professional development through flexible online learning with DSU.
Accreditation & Licensing
Dickinson State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
With an online BS in Education focused on secondary-level English teaching, you can learn the skills and techniques to teach middle and high school students. In this online program, you will study various writing styles and types of literature. Courses also prepare you to create effective English education curricula.
Participants in this secondary education degree online will complete student teaching experiences in a school setting in their local area. Graduates will be able to develop writing projects, understand literary arguments, demonstrate a broad knowledge of literature, and analyze texts. As well as teaching positions, graduates of this English literature degree online can find employment in research, technical writing, and editing.
The online Bachelor of University Studies is a liberal arts degree from Dickinson State University. This program allows students to plan their own curriculum. You will choose the courses that best fit your needs and will help you expand in your career. This liberal arts degree allows students to take a wide variety of courses and learn about a large variety of topics that are the most valuable and interesting to them. This degree does not qualify the graduate for teacher certification.
Dickinson State University offers the Certificate in Graphic Design online. This graphic design program is designed to be completed in 16 weeks, providing further knowledge and skills in this area. The curriculum covers basic graphic design while also providing an introduction to other, similar topics of study. You will learn about 2-D design and web design. Courses also cover photography and typography.
Business
Develop the technical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills you need to oversee employees in an office environment with the Associate of Applied Science in Administration degree. With this online business administration degree program, you will be prepared to take on roles in a wide range of settings.
Coursework explores common administrative tasks, professional business communication, and working with information processing systems. Students also learn how to apply business-related quantitative methods and tools for decision-making. Graduates will be competent in working with diverse colleagues in team situations.
Career options available to graduates include:
- Office manager
- Administrative and executive assistant
- Accounting clerk
- Medical office assistant
- Computerized accounting
- Business law
- Management and leadership
- Business communication
- Spreadsheet applications
- Entrepreneurship
Dickinson State University offers the online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. With this online Accounting degree, students will be able to describe the federal tax laws as they apply to both individuals and business entities as well as to explain auditing theories, standards, and procedures to organizations.
Students will be prepared to apply the conceptual framework of financial accounting and reporting in business situations, as well as explain the various costing systems and define the role cost plays in decision-making.
Students can choose from the following tracks:
- Professional
- Corporate
Dickinson State University offers the online Bachelor of Business Administration. With this degree, students will be able to identify and apply the fundamental theories and practice of management including planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In addition to this core component of the BBA, students will be able to do the following:
- Apply analytical problem solving techniques used to diagnose, recommend, and communicate solutions to business problems
- Demonstrate the concepts in the areas of leadership, management, law, and international business
- Construct professional forms of communication
- Integrate core business fundamental concepts and theories to make strategic decisions
Dickinson State University offers the online BBA with a concentration in Finance. With this degree, students will be able to identify and apply the fundamental theories and practice of management including planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In addition to this core component of the BBA, students will be able to do the following:
- Solve fundamental problems in the following areas: time value of money, capital budgeting, working capital management, financial statement analysis, cost of capital, and capital structure
- Define financial analyses of risk and return and valuation of debt and equity securities
- Compare and contrast US-based business practices and international business practices as it relates to financial activities
Dickinson State University offers the online BBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management. With this degree, students will be able to identify and apply the fundamental theories and practice of management including planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In addition to this core component of the BBA, students will be able to do the following:
- analyze human resource management functions including staffing, appraisal and compensation, labor management practices, training, career planning, and organizational development
- identify ethical and legal challenges relevant to managing human resources in a global competitive environment
Dickinson State University offers an online Certificate in Accounting Technician. This program prepares you for positions requiring accounting knowledge, such as bookkeeping and payroll. Courses provide a foundational understanding of accounting as well as skills in programs such as QuickBooks.
Students will study topics including:
- Elements of accounting
- Computerized accounting
- Payroll accounting
- Spreadsheet applications
- Business communication
Gain the skills you need for a career in banking with Dickinson State University’s online Certificate in Banking. This online finance program prepares you for front-line positions in commercial banking, insurance, real estate, and client services. Courses teach fundamental skills in accounting and finance, and students gain knowledge of the structure of financial institutions and markets.
Students can personalize this program by choosing electives from topics including:
- Real estate principles
- Personal finance
- Investments
- Corporate finance
Prepare for a career in business with the online Certificate in Business Fundamentals from Dickinson State University. This program covers a variety of topics including accounting, finance, and marketing. Students also gain enhanced skills in business communication. Graduates will be able to pursue receptionist, front-line, and lower-level management positions.
Expand your skills as a Data Entry Specialist through an online certificate from Dickinson State University. This program prepares students for entry-level careers in a broad range of organizations. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Excel
- Composition
- Computer basics
Students will be trained in applications from spreadsheets to concepts in hardware. Develop technical and communication skills that can boost any resume and prepare you for a starting career in the IT industry. Explore professional opportunity with Dickinson State University distance learning.
Learn modern marketing techniques with the Certificate in Digital Marketing online from Dickinson State University. Coursework in this program prepares you for entry-level positions in the new and growing field of digital marketing. Students will gain skills in visual merchandising, design, and storytelling. Classes also explore topics in advertising, sales promotion, and digital media.
Graduates can find employment in roles such as:
- Marketing manager
- Social media specialist
- Digital strategist
- Digital brand manager
Skilled human resources professionals are needed in every business sector and setting. The Certificate in Human Resource Management from Dickinson State University will prepare you for leadership roles in human resources in any environment. Coursework aligns with competencies set by the Society for Human Resource Management.
The curriculum for this online HR Management degree includes studies of:
- Management and leadership
- Organizational behavior
- Business ethics and critical thinking
- Human resource development
If you are interested in pursuing positions as a secretary or administrative assistant, this Certificate in Office Administration Specialist is for you. Dickinson State University offers this online business administration program that prepares you with skills in accounting, business communication, and administrative office procedures. Courses also provide skills in Database and Excel.
Graduates will be qualified for roles such as:
- Administrative specialist
- Business office specialist
- Data entry specialist
The online Certificate in Reception Services Specialist prepares you for positions including front desk receptionist, front office representative, and medical receptionist. Classes explore topics in administrative office procedures, public speaking, computer applications, and English composition. Graduates will be well equipped to handle day-to-day office activities, including scheduling appointments and meetings, organizing office layout, purchasing supplies and equipment, and maintaining the office environment.
The Master of Entrepreneurship from Dickinson State University offers an immersive experience into the entrepreneurial process. The program focuses on learning core concepts through experiential learning.
While not a requirement, students are encouraged to start their own venture while participating in this master’s degree in Entrepreneurship online. Courses provide training in budgeting, management, marketing, innovation, ethics, and more. In addition to running your own business, the skills taught in this program prepare you for a variety of advanced business positions requiring critical and innovative thinking.
Graduates can pursue roles including:
- Business owner
- Finance/Business manager
- Management and market research analyst
- Business consultant
- Product developer
Education
This online bachelor of science degree combines studies of business and teaching. The BS in Education / Business Education prepares future middle and high school teachers in areas such as math and economics.
Coursework is designed to prepare students to sit for professional teaching licensure examinations in business education. Classes cover topics in accounting, economics, marketing, management, and mathematics. Graduates of this secondary education degree online will be well prepared to create comprehensive business education curricula.
This Bachelor of Science in Education program offers a specialized pathway in Elementary Education. Within this pathway, students will be prepared to serve as teachers for grades K-8, with additional endorsements available in early childhood, reading, and middle school.
All participants in this online elementary education degree will complete student teaching experiences in a school setting. Graduates of this program can pursue positions such as English teacher, elementary education teacher, Title I reading teacher, reading specialist, or instructional coach.
The online Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares highly qualified mid-career professionals and recent graduates of higher education as secondary school teachers. The program is designed for individuals without teaching credentials but who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to become teachers in an expeditious fashion. The focus is on preparing secondary school teachers. Courses include:
- Educational Foundations
- Cultural Diversity in a Complex World
- Curriculum Design, Delivery, & Assessment
- Integrating Technology into the Learning Environment
- Content Area Teaching Strategies
With a combined focus on research and pedagogy, the Master of Education in Elementary Education will help established teachers improve their teaching skills and increase their salaries.
Students in this online Elementary Education degree program will study exceptional learners, cultural diversity, child psychology, and curriculum design on top of subject-specific teaching courses. All program participants will complete a capstone portfolio project and an action research project in an elementary school setting. Surveys completed at the beginning and end of the program will chart the student’s growth in key areas of learning.
Outcomes for this program are based on the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Five Core Propositions, namely that teachers will:
- Be committed to students and their learning
- Know the subjects they teach and how to teach them
- Be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning
- Think systematically about their practice and learn from experience
- Be members of learning communities
Math & Science
You can learn to manage an equine facility with the Associate of Science in Agriculture Sales & Service Equine Management from Dickinson State University. This online animal science program provides proficiency in agricultural production, resource management, and business.
Through the online agriculture program, you gain management and marketing skills. Graduates enjoy working in such roles as:
- Beginning trainer
- Rodeo stock provider
- Horse farm/barn manager
- Entrepreneur in the horse industry
You can work towards employment in the equine training business with the Associate of Science in Agriculture Sales & Service Equine Training from Dickinson State University. This online animal science program provides an understanding of specific livestock practices.
Through the online agriculture program, you combine business and production skills with knowledge of training horses. Students delve into topics of equines as:
- Nutrition
- Training techniques
- Business management
- Behavior, groundwork, and safety